What Is A Youth

Nino Rota's 'What Is A Youth' is a poetic exploration of the transient nature of youth and love. The song, featured in the 1968 film adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' delves into the ephemeral qualities of life and the inevitable passage of time. The opening lines, 'What is a youth? Impetuous fire / What is a maid? Ice and desire,' juxtapose the passionate, fiery nature of youth with the cool, desirous nature of a young maiden, setting the stage for a meditation on the fleeting moments of life.

The recurring metaphor of a rose that blooms and then fades serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of beauty and youth. Just as a rose's beauty is temporary, so too are the youthful days of a person. This theme is further emphasized with the lines, 'So does a youth / So do-o-o-oes the fairest maid,' suggesting that no matter how beautiful or vibrant, all things must eventually fade.

The song also touches on the complexities of love, describing it as 'sweeter than honey and bitter as gall.' This duality captures the essence of love's joys and sorrows, highlighting its unpredictable and all-encompassing nature. The reference to Cupid, the Roman god of love, underscores the idea that love is a powerful force that governs all, regardless of one's intentions or desires. The final lines, 'Death will come soon to hush us along,' serve as a somber reminder of life's ultimate end, urging listeners to cherish the fleeting moments of youth and love while they last.